From the world's most desirable cars to great regional cuisine via the social commitment promoted by many companies and individuals, Emilia-Romagna – a new destination partner of the MICHELIN Guide – is a region devoted to excellence where the cult of "doing good" reflects the values, products and modus operandi of the Clermont-Ferrand-based company, which on November 5 is preparing to celebrate the 70th edition of the MICHELIN Guide Italy in the Municipal Opera House of Modena named after Luciano Pavarotti. In addition to revealing the new stars, green stars and Bib Gourmands of the Italian selection, the eagerly awaited appointment with the Michelin Guide 2025 is an excellent opportunity to discover the cultural, culinary and engineering attractions of Modena's areas, starting perhaps with the highly regarded recipes of Arnaldo Clinica Gastronomica; a historic venue in the center of Rubiera as well as the longest-running MICHELIN starred restaurant in the Bel Paese by virtue of the macaron obtained in 1959.
The MICHELIN Guide to the Via Emilia
Leaving Rubiera, where the Osteria del Viandante is also based, and driving south along the Via Emilia, the gourmet traveler can delve into the cornerstones of Emilian cuisine by choosing from no fewer than 31 restaurants recommended by the MICHELIN Guide in Modena and its province. The venue that consecrated the area as a global gourmand destination is the three-starred Osteria Francescana of Massimo Bottura who, in addition to the cult address in Via Stella, manages the Al Gatto Verde, il Cavallino di Maranello and Franceschetta 58 restaurants where chef Francesco Vincenzi has recently started working with the Modena Prison where inmates grow the vegetables that are then used in the kitchen. Also in Modena, the star shines on Erba del Re, while the Bib Gourmand Antica Moka offers homemade pastas and excellent local recipes, occasionally revisited. 
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Cult products among the plain, vineyards and hillsides
Twenty-three of the region's 44 PDOs & PGIs are produced in the Modena area, and one of the most famous is traditional balsamic vinegar. The attic of Modena's City Hall, designated in 2003 as the Municipal Vinegar Brewery, is an excellent introduction to the product, and another interesting place to delve into the history and processes of this black gold for free is Cascina del Balsamico at Gaggio Modena. In addition to vinegar tastings, it is also possible to stay here surrounded by greenery. While returning to the historic center of the Emilian town, a visit to the Albinelli Market is a must for those who want to buy Parmigiano Reggiano, lambrusco, tortellini, pancetta coppata, garlic salami, zamponi and artisanal cotechini. Aficionados of cured meats will also be able to appreciate the finest regional preparations at Hosteria Giusti: a MICHELIN Guide recommendation that, having been founded in 1605, is also one of the oldest delicatessens in the Old Continent.
Motor Valley: the aesthetics of speed
In addition to excellent gastronomy, Modena is inextricably associated with the birth of Enzo Ferrari, who founded his first racing car stable here. Since 1939, Viale Ciro Menotti has also been home to Maserati; one of the most prestigious brands in motoring and motorsport along with the Prancing Horse. To admire the Emilian custom-built cars in all their glory, the itinerary can begin at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena and then make a stop at the Trident Showroom&Flagship. The four-wheeled treasures continue with the Ferrari world at Maranello and then at Sant'Agata Bolognese; the home of Lamborghini overflowing with exciting creations. Also not to be missed is the Pagani atelier in San Cesario sul Panaro and the Dallara headquarters at Varano dè Melegari. Home of engineers and drivers, Emilia-Romagna has legendary racetracks such as Misano and Imola where MotoGP and F1 world championships are held. Less well-known but equally fun for those who want to try their hand at track-day experiences are the Modena and Varano racetracks.
A day in Modena amid art and music history
Emilia-Romagna has 10 art cities and, from the historical perspective, Modena stands out first and foremost for its majestic Piazza Grande included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with the Duomo – a striking symbol of European Romanesque with columns, capitals, bas-reliefs and figures of prophets – and its Civic Tower. It is called Ghirlandina because of the shape of its balustrades. This historic site stands just a short walk from the Ducal Palace, a Baroque building and originally the Palace of the Dukes of Este (1634) and today home to the Military Academy. Also of notable architectural interest is the San Cataldo Cemetery composed of a 19th-century part designed by the Modena architect Cesare Costa and a more recent work dating back to 1971 by the Pritzker Prize winner Aldo Rossi. On the other hand, the musical soul of Modena – the birthplace of Luciano Pavarotti and Mirella Freni – finds expression in the aristocratic atmospheres of the Municipal Opera House as in the record attendance obtained by Vasco Rossi (a native of nearby Zocca) who gathered more than 220,000 people during his 2017 concert.
Where to sleep in Modena
For a charming stay marked by excellent services at affordable prices, MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection recommends Hotel Cervetta 5 in Modena. This boutique hotel is located in the historic center and its well-finished interiors mix minimalism, generous doses of comfort and eclectic designer furnishings, while the moment of awakening is gladdened by a fragrant breakfast of local produce and leavened products. Instead, at the gates of Modena and surrounded by a large park with a vegetable garden, swimming pool and tennis court, stands Casa Maria Luigia. Awarded 3 MICHELIN Keys, the home of Bottura and Lara Gilmore ensures a hospitality experience rich in intellect and creative impetus, inside a stately villa.
Emilia-Romagna: locomotive of Italy
While Parma (a UNESCO creative city for food and wine) at Casa Artusi in Forlimpopoli and the areas of Modena are associated with a long collection of culinary delicacies, the Emilia-Romagna region offers multiple attractions ranging from seaside tourism to mountain tourism via spa wellness offered by 23 different centers in 19 locations. At the same time, art cities such as Ravenna, with its basilicas adorned with Byzantine mosaics, are idyllic places for admiring the overlapping history inherent in the local area, which ranges in its turn from the Apennines to the approximately 110km of Adriatic coastline. Added to this are international events such as the F1 and Moto GP Grand Prix, the Verdi Festival of Parma and Arte Fiera in Bologna. Last but absolutely fundamental on the economy and development side, Emilia-Romagna holds the record for exports per capita (approximately twice the national average), and its mechatronics, mechanical engineering and motor companies together generate more than 50 percent of the approximately 30 billion euros of the import-export surplus attributed to the region.
